Beauty and the Beast First Look

Have you seen the latest photos from the new live action version of Beauty and the Beast? They look amazing!

Lumiere, voiced by Ewan McGregor, and Cogsworth, voiced by Ian McKellan, are so incredibly detailed. They look almost like a real candlestick and clock.

While Gaston is only seen from the back, it really looks like Luke Evans has embraced the villainous role. And Josh Gad seems like a perfect choice for Lefou.

This glimpse of Emma Watson as Belle shows her reaching for the enchanted rose.

Dan Stevens looks like he's really enjoying playing Prince Adam with his flowing blond locks and poofy white shirt.

All of these images are taken from a behind the scenes special that will be part of the 25th anniversary re-release of Beauty and the Beast (cartoon) on Blu-ray next month. Beauty and the Beast (live action) arrives in theaters on March 17, 2017.

Photo of the Week

I love this Zootopia shirt from the Disney Store. It just cracks me up every time I see it.

Quote of the Week

I have the strangest feeling

that I've seen that ship before.

A long time ago

when I was very young. 

- Father, Peter Pan

Princess Legos

The latest Disney Princess Lego sets are too sweet. There's a large Beauty and the Beast castle set and a smaller Rapunzel set.

Belle’s Enchanted Castle has 374 pieces. It also includes several characters, including Belle, the Beast (with a removable mask so he can become Prince Adam), Lumiere, Cogsworth,  Mrs. Potts, Chip, the Wardrobe, and the Feather duster. The Castle features multiple rooms, a balcony, stained glass window, and a rotating floor so Belle and the Beast can dance together. It's absolutely adorable, but it is rather expensive at $49.99.

Rapunzel's Best Day Ever has 145 pieces. It includes Rapunzel, a small tower, a swing (complete with a bad poster of Flynn Ryder) and Maximus the horse. This smaller set is more affordable at $19.99.

Tsum Tsum Short - Dino Museum

Disney

The Tsums are exploring their local dinosaur museum, with humorous results.

*Unfortunately, Disney has removed this video from YouTube.

National Park Service

Google

Yesterday was the 100th anniversary of the creation of the National Park Service. In honor of this momentous occasion, Google created a fantastic doodle celebrating the wonders of several parks. I loved it.

This Stan Lee Cameo Is Perfect

Marvel

I always look forward to Stan Lee's cameos in Marvel movies. They are absolutely hilarious and perfectly placed. His cameo in Captain America: Civil War was no exception. Without giving too much away, Tony and Rhodey are having a pretty rough day when a FedEx guy arrives with a package for "Tony Stank". This hysterical moment comes just when the characters, and the audience, could really use a laugh.

Perfect! Just perfect!

Monsters Inc as Told by Tsum Tsum

It's time for another "As Told By Tsum Tsum" short. This time, they're telling the story of Monsters Inc. So cute!

*Unfortunately, Disney has removed this video from YouTube.

Captain America: Civil War Review

I finally had the chance to see Captain America: Civil War this weekend. It was amazing, and sad, and intense, and a great continuation of the Avengers storyline. Caution: Spoilers Ahead!

Steve Rogers and his fellow Avengers are in for a rough ride. The world has decided to hold them responsible for all of the deaths that have occurred while they were saving everyone else. (I have to say, I've always found this line of reasoning to be ridiculous. The needs of the many must outweigh the needs of the one.) When an additional incident occurs in a foreign country, the world leaders come together to create the Sokovia Accords. The Accords require all Avengers to register with a UN oversight committee that will then tell them when and where they can fight, or be forcibly retired. This is the basis for their split.

On one side, you have Captain America, Falcon, Scarlet Witch, Ant-Man, Hawkeye and the Winter Soldier. Steve believes that he and the other Avengers should remain an independent entity, where politics can't decide who they help. On the other side, you have Iron Man, Black Widow, War Machine, Vision, Black Panther, and Spiderman. Tony is in a bit of a funk because Pepper Potts is taking a break from him and he is confronted by a mother whose son was killed in Sokovia and she blames him. He feels that the Avengers should be punished for the deaths they didn't prevent. Both Steve and Tony have valid reasons for choosing their sides, but which side is right?

When Peggy Carter dies and Bucky Barnes suddenly appears and is accused of bombing UN delegates, it's the last straw for Steve. He and his group head out to protect Bucky and the world in the only way they know how. Tony and his group do their best to stop them, although they are constricted by General Ross, who is now Secretary of State. By the time the movie ends, every Avenger is suffering from a major, personal loss. It's hard to see how they'll recover from such a blow, but since the next several movies are solo titles, I guess they've got time to recover.

In all, I really enjoyed this film. It's a bit more political, and makes you think more about what is right and wrong. Captain America: Civil War arrives on Blu-ray and DVD on September 13.

The Muppets Present History

The Muppets are coming! The Muppets are coming! This October, Kermit, Piggy, Fozzie, Gonzo, and Sam Eagle will be starring in a new live show at the Magic Kingdom: "The Muppets Present... Great Moments in American History." Joining this wacky bunch is James Jefferson, the town crier of Liberty Square. The show will take place outside the Hall of Presidents and will include historical tales told in hysterical fashion, a new original song, and lots of Muppety humor. The Muppets will appear throughout the day to regale guests with their unique take on the founding fathers and the birth of America, from Paul Revere's ride to the signing of the Declaration. It should be hilarious.

Tsum Tsum Villains

The next batch of Tsum Tsums won't arrive in stores until September 6, but I am very excited about this new set: Disney Villains! There are eight Tsums in the collection:

• Lady Tremaine from Cinderella
• Cruella de Vil from 101 Dalmatians
• Ursula from the Little Mermaid
• Jafar the Genie from Aladdin 2
• The Evil Queen from Snow White
• Dr. Facilier 
• Maleficent 
• Maleficent the Dragon

I especially like Maleficent and the Dragon. Maleficent is my favorite villain because she's just so deliciously evil. Which villain will you add to your collection? 

Jungle Tsum A Tsum Tsum Short

Disney

The latest Tsum Tsum short takes our Tsums deep in the jungle, where carnivorous plants roam. There's a surprise waiting for them that they could never have expected.

*Unfortunately, Disney has removed this video from YouTube.

Photo of the Week

Marshmallow and the Snowgies are so cute on the new Frozen Ever After Ride.

Quote of the Week

And yet, through it all,

Cinderella remained

ever gentle and kind,

for with each dawn

she found new hope

that someday

her dreams of happiness

would come true.

-Narrator, Cinderella

Uniqlo at Disney Springs

I had the chance to check out Uniqlo shortly after it opened in July. I have to say, I instantly fell in love! They have some of the coolest clothes and their prices are fantastic.

Uniqlo is a Japanese company that has stores around the world, although there aren't many in the US yet. The Disney Springs location is their first store in the southeast.

The two story building houses a wide variety of casual clothing, from Disney themed t-shirts to shirts designed to help you regulate your body temperature in hot or cold weather.

They also have fun Japanese inspired graphic tees, and even kimonos and adorable paper samurai costumes for kids and adults alike.

They're Disney and Marvel clothes were very unique, and could quite easily fill my closet. I especially liked the selection of Little Green Men shirts. As you know, I'm addicted to collecting Little Green Men, so I had to have one.

They also carry an awesome selection of Disney iron-on patches. They're happy to apply them to t-shirts, button down shirts, shorts, or pants for both kids and adults. If I had to wear office wear, I'd definitely get the Star Wars heads set for my shirts.

In all, I think Uniqlo is a fantastic addition to Disney Springs. The selection and prices make them well worth a visit. Whether you are looking for Disney clothes, vacation wear, or something new for casual Friday, be sure to stop by Uniqlo. You'll be glad you did.

Tatooine Tsum Tsums

The newest addition to the ever expanding Star Wars Tsum Tsum collections is characters from Tatooine. The set of six includes: Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jawa, Greedo, Tusker Raider, Sandtrooper, and a Dewback. My favorite is the Jawa, which is just too adorable and perfect as a Tsum Tsum. The Tatooine set arrives in stores on August 16.

Rogue One Trailer

Lucasfilm

The latest Rogue One trailer debuted during the Olympics on Thursday. It just looks better and better. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story arrives in theaters on December 16.

Moana Trailer 2

Disney

The latest Moana trailer debuted during the Olympics. It shows a little more of the adventure Moana and Maui go on and the dangers they'll face.

Moana arrives in theaters on November 23.

Marvel Tsum Tsum Vinyl Minis Series 1

The Marvel Series 1 collection includes 10 Mystery Packs. When I first saw them, I noticed that all of the superheroes featured are male. At first, I thought perhaps the female characters would be released in a later series. However, there are several female superheroes in the larger packs, so perhaps they'll get their accessories in Series 2.

Characters in the Series 1 three packs include: Winter Soldier, Black Widow, Nick Fury, Grey Hulk, Ant-Man, Spider-Woman, Black Cat, and Doctor Strange.

Well, that brings us up to date on the crazy amount of Tsum Tsum Vinyl Minis currently available. Where they'll go from here, I can't say, but I can't wait to find out.

Tsum Tsum Vinyl Minis Series 3

Series 3 of the Tsum Tsum Vinyl Minis arrived in stores recently. It includes an additional 12 characters from Disney movies past and present:

• Pluto with his doghouse 
• White Rabbit with a pocket watch 
• Baymax in armor with a rocket booster
• Patch with a basket
• Donald with a lifesaver 
• Dopey with a mine cart and jewel 
• Alice with a "Drink Me" bottle
• Bambi with butterflies 
• Jasmine with Magic Carpet
• Woody with sheriff's badge 
• Genie with lamp and magic smoke
• Tinker Bell with lantern

So far, I've collected four of this new set. I had to have Baymax to go with Hiro. Bean voted for Alice and Genie. The little buggers are so addicting, I'm sure we'll collect them all!

Additional characters in Series 3 include: Pinocchio, Cleon, Miss Bunny, Cruella de Vil, Iago, Wendy, Hamm, Jessie, Bullseye, Ugly Duckling, Kristoff, Fred, and Sadness.

Tomorrow, I'll share Series 1 in the Marvel collection.

Tsum Tsum Vinyl Minis Series 2

Time for more Tsum Tsums! Series 2 added even more too cute characters to the stacking mix. The new Mystery Stack Packs include:

• Angel with a surfboard and wave
• Anger with a flame
• Mermaid Ariel on a rock
• Chip with acorns
• Cinderella with a clock striking midnight 
• Suzy with a sewing basket
• Buzz Lightyear with his rocket ship
• Little Green Man with a rocket claw
• Eeyore with a raincloud
• Jiminy Cricket with an umbrella 
• Mickey with a film reel
• Queen of Hearts with a red rose bush
• Olaf with snowflakes
• Sven with a sleigh
• Hiro with a San Fransokyo bridge

Suzy and Angel are my favorites. Suzy is one of the sewing mice from Cinderella and Angel is Stitch's girlfriend from the TV series. They are all too, too cute.

Additional characters available in Series 2 include: Snow White, Happy, Grumpy, Bambi, Thumper, Lady, Flounder, Peas in a Pod, Baymax, Baymax in armor, Joy, and Bing Bong.

Tomorrow I'll share the newly released Series 3.

Tsum Tsum Vinyl Minis Series 1

I adore the squishy, plush Tsum Tsums from Disney. They're adorable and collectible and come in five sizes and a multitude of themes. There are also mini stackable Tsum Tsums from Jakks Pacific, which are made of vinyl and come in three sizes. So far, Disney has released Series 1, 2, and 3 with Disney and Pixar characters, and Series 1 of a Marvel collection as well. These are just as collectible as the plush Tsums, but their smaller size means you can cram even more into a tiny space.

The mini Tsum Tsums are available with a couple different options:

• Mystery Stack Packs - blind bags with a cute accessory themed to each medium Tsum
• Packages of three: one small, one medium, one large
• Packages of nine: three of each size, with one medium one being a mystery

The Mystery Stack Packs are a lot of fun. You can kind of squish them and guess which one is in each package, which really helps to avoid duplicates. The accessories in the blind bags can be used with the small, medium, and large vinyl figures to add to the stacking fun.

The 10 Series 1 Mystery Stack Pack figures include:

• Minnie with a bow
• Dale with acorns
• Stitch with a rocket shop
• Cheshire Cat with trees
• Dumbo with camera
• Figaro with fishbowl 
• Lucky with TV
• Marie with bed
• Winnie the Pooh with hunny pot
• Sebastian with shell

Stitch and Sebastian are my favorites from Series 1. They are absolutely adorable, and so happy. It took a little searching, but I finally have the whole Mystery Stack Pack set.

Additional figures available in the three sizes include: Perry the Platypus, Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Pluto, Donald, Daisy, Anna, Elsa, Cinderella, Gusgus, Alice, White Rabbit, Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore.

Tomorrow, I'll share the ridiculously cute characters from Series 2.